The Conservatory of Music in the Age of AI

On March 1st, 2025, Visiting Assistant Lecturer Timothy McDunn, D.M.A., presented a groundbreaking composition that expanded beyond the traditional 12-tone tuning system used in basic music theory, employing 21-tone equal temperament. This innovative approach captivated the audience, sparking curiosity about how it was achieved. McDunn, known for his expertise in music theory and composition, seamlessly merges digital and acoustic elements in his award-winning compositions—an approach that surprises some but not his students.

Technology at the Wheaton College Conservatory 

In a conservatory that thrives on creativity and innovation, students engage in ongoing discussions about the latest developments in the music industry. A recent electroacoustic concert showcased how these concepts are integrated into the curriculum, giving audiences a glimpse into the intersection of traditional musicianship and cutting-edge technology.

“We support faculty and students, guest artists, and many others in this ongoing creative work,” Conservatory of Music Dean, Michael Wilder Ph.D says, “celebrating, studying, and hosting their accomplishments and creativity.”

Professors like McDunn don’t just introduce students to new music technologies—they actively train them to harness these tools in their own creative work. Advances in digital technology allow musicians to refine compositions with remarkable precision, experiment with electronic textures, and explore new dimensions of sound. The conservatory’s state-of-the-art recording studio provides students with hands-on opportunities to test compositions, manipulate sound quality, and push the boundaries of their musical expression.

Wheaton College’s Perspective on Music and Technology

Under the guidance of experienced faculty, students at Wheaton College engage deeply with music technology, learning to navigate the vast creative potential it offers while maintaining artistic authenticity. Digital Music Guest Lecturer Don Baddorf highlights both the possibilities and challenges of these advancements:

“Computers can enable any user to create music using virtually unlimited instruments. They can enable performers with timing or tuning issues to perform perfectly. This has allowed a deluge of sub-human music creation - music that sounds perfect, but not human.”

As Christian musicians, students are encouraged to reflect on the authenticity of their compositions. This tension between digital precision and human expression is not new—Beethoven himself grappled with the balance between technical mastery and emotional depth. Today’s students face a similar challenge: embracing the creative possibilities of digital tools while ensuring their work remains deeply personal and expressive.

“There’s an established climate of support for creativity and innovation,” McDunn notes. “This has made the expansion of computer-aided composition, music technology, and electroacoustic music a natural outgrowth of the essential ethos of the institution.”

This commitment to both tradition and innovation ensures that students use technology as a means of enhancing, rather than replacing, their artistic identity. Dean Wilder affirms this perspective:

“With the deep positive potential of these resources, we are also wise to continue to consider new contexts and tools with prayerful judiciousness and care.”

A Personal Perspective on Electronic Music : Justin Hill '27

As a student in the conservatory, I’m constantly exploring different musical genres in ensemble rehearsals and theory classes. However, electronic music has always intrigued me because of how distinct it is from Classical or Jazz traditions.

In my Theory 4 class with McDunn, I began to see music in a new light. Whether analyzing synthesized EDM tracks or Hans Zimmer’s film scores, I now recognize the growing influence of digital tools in modern composition. This experience has shown me that Wheaton College Conservatory is not abandoning its roots but expanding its approach to music education. Far from diminishing our understanding of music, technology is enhancing it—giving my peers and me a broader, richer perspective.

For students who share this curiosity, Wheaton offers specialized courses such as Digital Music Technology 1 and 2, taught by Don Baddorf and Acoustic Recording, taught by Brian Porick. McDunn’s theory and composition courses also provide invaluable insights into integrating digital tools with traditional music techniques.

Bridging Technology Opportunities and Wheaton's Mission

Grammy-nominated recording engineer Brian Porick, engineer behind faculty member Shawn Okpebholo’s Grammy®-nominated album Lord How Come Me Here, explains:

“While all of these technologies were originally designed for specific tasks, they are now in the hands of creative people who imagine new ways to use them.”

At Wheaton, students are encouraged to be part of that creative exploration, using technology to deepen their musicianship while remaining true to their artistic and spiritual values.

The Wheaton College Conservatory of Music is committed to embracing technological advancements while preserving the artistry and human connection that define great music. Whether through faculty achievements or student discoveries, the intersection of music and technology presents an endless source of creative inspiration.

For students eager to explore this dynamic field, Wheaton offers the mentorship, resources, and philosophical grounding to navigate the ever-evolving world of music with both skill and authenticity.

– Written by Justin Hill '27 and Alyssa Veague '22